Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse: 6 Fundamentals of Training Horses―and Yourself

If you are a horse lover and want to be a better trainer or rider this is the best book I have read. The focus of the book is how to improve yourself so you can improve your relationship with your horse to get the results you want. I love this book and have read it multiple times. It is written in a story format so it is engaging and fun to read. Mark Rashid is a fantastic trainer. Everything I watch one of his clinics I learn something new which improves everything I do.

Mark Rashid's wisdom goes beyond the horse world into all aspects of life. After reading this book, I went on a group trail ride with my (relatively) new mare. I listened to her, finally, thanks to Mark's book, and after 20 minutes of fighting her I realized that, as lead mare, she just wanted to protect everyone. So I let her go in front and watch for danger. She monitored the barking dogs, carnivorous cattle and zombie chickens, making sure that these dangers and the assorted rogue farm equipment we encountered didn't attack our party. And, thanks to Mark's viewpoint, I could understand her and enjoy the trail ride - and being protected by my ever-vigilant companion! I just had to listen to her ~ Thanks, Mark - you gave me a better ability to listen.

Wow. Read this book. I once had a teacher that Buck reminds me a lot of. Her name was Misty (Poco Misty Lady) and like Buck was fairly nondescript sorrel with a royal grandfather reflected in her name... she taught me nearly everything that I know of horses and horsemanship, but it wasn't until I read this book that I recognized how much she taught me about handling horses. It wasn't until I read this book that I realized how well those lessons could be applied in how I handle myself and other people. I truly hope you have had or will a teacher who is as kind and patient as the author's Buck, or my Misty... whatever form your teacher comes in. They say that when the student is ready, the master will appear. I would think that this book is a great place to start preparing for your further education. Read this book.

I love the way Mark tells his stories! You don't have to be a horse lover to enjoy them, even though a lot of horse people can relate to a lot of stories in a very personal way. If you meet Mark in person, you can see that he is very down-to-earth, and just is who he is. He has a very kind and thoughtful way of being that shows in his writing. Even though he says he was much older before he realized that was a good way to live his life, it seems to me, it was there all along. I have read 4 of his books, and am quickly getting to the rest! They will be in my library for re-reading and possibly lending... Thank you, Mark , for sharing so much of yourself and your understanding of horses as well as humans.

Even though this book had some drawbacks, I am still giving it 5 stars. It is the most open book of Mark Rashid. His all books are fun and informative, but this one left me.. shaken. Also, it left me sad and happy. The drawbacks I am talking about are perhaps too many pages for retrospective and too little for actual stories. I would have gotten Mark's message with half as many words. When he is writing down a story, the pace is just right - fast enough and detailed enough, but when he starts philosophising, then he starts repeating the same thing over and over. But, as I said, the book just impressed me so much that I am happy to overlook some minor style mistakes.

A study in living in the present and the perspective to see clearly. Highly recommend all of marks books. I re read them occasionally for deeper understanding.

I thoroughly enjoy studying and learning the psychology of human and animal relationships.The heart of the book came together for me when Mark shared the lesson he learned from his reaction to losing Buck. His lack of emotion, dissociation, hit home for me. Totally identifying with this trait helps me give substance and sense to this phenomenon.

I laughed. I cried. And I still think about these stories regularly. Buck is a horse version of Lassie, except he was not fiction. And he'd just look at Mark instead of barking. All animal lovers would enjoy this book, but it is not really a book about horses. It is about the revelations the author has in his work with Buck, and some of Buck's pals, and a great many people over the years. It is an account of his journey of self-improvement, and it contains tidbits we all can learn from.

I have owned this book for several years and have read it many times. I made this purchase to gift a friend. Mark Rashid imparts wisdom and humor in a style that is educational and inspirational. I am a horse owner and lover but I truly believe that the life lessons offered in this book are valuable for anyone who believes in the wisdom of all living creatures. I recommend it without reservation to anyone, but especially to those of us who love animals.

I love Mark Rashid--he is a wonderful writer and a very insightful horseman! This is his first book with a 20 year later afterword. It is a great book. I first read "Horses Never Lie" and have been collecting the rest of his books ever since. Every book he writes has been a pleasure to read as well as very informative. I felt his "Horsemanship Through Life" book was very profound. I highly recommend anything he writes!!!

If you are a horse lover and want to be a better trainer or rider this is the best book I have read. The focus of the book is how to improve yourself so you can improve your relationship with your horse to get the results you want. I love this book and have read it multiple times. It is written in a story format so it is engaging and fun to read. Mark Rashid is a fantastic trainer. Everything I watch one of his clinics I learn something new which improves everything I do.

Mark Rashid's wisdom goes beyond the horse world into all aspects of life. After reading this book, I went on a group trail ride with my (relatively) new mare. I listened to her, finally, thanks to Mark's book, and after 20 minutes of fighting her I realized that, as lead mare, she just wanted to protect everyone. So I let her go in front and watch for danger. She monitored the barking dogs, carnivorous cattle and zombie chickens, making sure that these dangers and the assorted rogue farm equipment we encountered didn't attack our party. And, thanks to Mark's viewpoint, I could understand her and enjoy the trail ride - and being protected by my ever-vigilant companion! I just had to listen to her ~ Thanks, Mark - you gave me a better ability to listen.

Wow. Read this book. I once had a teacher that Buck reminds me a lot of. Her name was Misty (Poco Misty Lady) and like Buck was fairly nondescript sorrel with a royal grandfather reflected in her name... she taught me nearly everything that I know of horses and horsemanship, but it wasn't until I read this book that I recognized how much she taught me about handling horses. It wasn't until I read this book that I realized how well those lessons could be applied in how I handle myself and other people. I truly hope you have had or will a teacher who is as kind and patient as the author's Buck, or my Misty... whatever form your teacher comes in. They say that when the student is ready, the master will appear. I would think that this book is a great place to start preparing for your further education. Read this book.

I love the way Mark tells his stories! You don't have to be a horse lover to enjoy them, even though a lot of horse people can relate to a lot of stories in a very personal way. If you meet Mark in person, you can see that he is very down-to-earth, and just is who he is. He has a very kind and thoughtful way of being that shows in his writing. Even though he says he was much older before he realized that was a good way to live his life, it seems to me, it was there all along. I have read 4 of his books, and am quickly getting to the rest! They will be in my library for re-reading and possibly lending... Thank you, Mark , for sharing so much of yourself and your understanding of horses as well as humans.

Even though this book had some drawbacks, I am still giving it 5 stars. It is the most open book of Mark Rashid. His all books are fun and informative, but this one left me.. shaken. Also, it left me sad and happy. The drawbacks I am talking about are perhaps too many pages for retrospective and too little for actual stories. I would have gotten Mark's message with half as many words. When he is writing down a story, the pace is just right - fast enough and detailed enough, but when he starts philosophising, then he starts repeating the same thing over and over. But, as I said, the book just impressed me so much that I am happy to overlook some minor style mistakes.

A study in living in the present and the perspective to see clearly. Highly recommend all of marks books. I re read them occasionally for deeper understanding.

I thoroughly enjoy studying and learning the psychology of human and animal relationships.The heart of the book came together for me when Mark shared the lesson he learned from his reaction to losing Buck. His lack of emotion, dissociation, hit home for me. Totally identifying with this trait helps me give substance and sense to this phenomenon.

I laughed. I cried. And I still think about these stories regularly. Buck is a horse version of Lassie, except he was not fiction. And he'd just look at Mark instead of barking. All animal lovers would enjoy this book, but it is not really a book about horses. It is about the revelations the author has in his work with Buck, and some of Buck's pals, and a great many people over the years. It is an account of his journey of self-improvement, and it contains tidbits we all can learn from.

I have owned this book for several years and have read it many times. I made this purchase to gift a friend. Mark Rashid imparts wisdom and humor in a style that is educational and inspirational. I am a horse owner and lover but I truly believe that the life lessons offered in this book are valuable for anyone who believes in the wisdom of all living creatures. I recommend it without reservation to anyone, but especially to those of us who love animals.

I love Mark Rashid--he is a wonderful writer and a very insightful horseman! This is his first book with a 20 year later afterword. It is a great book. I first read "Horses Never Lie" and have been collecting the rest of his books ever since. Every book he writes has been a pleasure to read as well as very informative. I felt his "Horsemanship Through Life" book was very profound. I highly recommend anything he writes!!!

This book is fabulous and is full of life lessons one can use whether or not they have ever had a horse. The observations of the horse and how he handles conflicts and trying situations are things evryone one of us could use in our day to day lives. The horse absolutely shows that common sense is a very handy thing to have and use. Using his philosophy of life would definately cut down on a lot of the conflicts that occur in human interactions. A great read and a great teacher!

It really was wonderful the way this horse was able to teach his rider how to be a good trainer. People under estimate the intelligence is these amazing animals that consent to let us order them about, reminds me of why this country outlawed horsemeat factories in this country and breaks my heart they are bringing them back. Just because a creature cannot speak clearly, doesn't mean he cannot be understood. We just need to listen harder.

Received in great shape.

Was a gift for friend

Mark is an excellent story teller and a deep thinker. This story of the life lessons Mark gained from his horse is very psychologically astute. Mark questions the current and more traditional interpretations of equine behavior and he takes both a broad and deep perspective on equine communication. Whether a person is familiar or not with horses, anyone can benefit from reading this book. The wisdom he gleaned from his horse, Buck, is entirely applicable to human communication. I am a horse owner and my perspective taken of my horses has been changed, so have I changed in my interpersonal interactions with people. Thanks to Mark for writing this wonderful book!

I volunteer with horses at a therapeutic horse farm. I love being with horses. This book gives a beautiful narrative of a horseman and his interaction, trust and activities with his horse. It demonstrates how much we can learn from these beautiful creatures.

Through interraction with his horse, Mark learned that he had gained much more insight to what it takes to be a good human. Buck was never mean but if he knew something was not right he would stall and even comply in a different manner than what Mark wanted. Buck even seemed to know intuituvely how to react in situations he'd never seen before and proved he was a trusty companion.

This book made me more determined than ever to listen to my own horse! Rashid's descriptions of his relationship to his horse and the life lessons he learned are humble, insightful and entertaining. They sure support the return to a more balanced perception of horse-human interactions and how much these beautiful animals contribute to our lives when we let them. An enjoyable and enlightening read.

I love all Mark's books and this one is one of my favorites. I try to follow Buck's teachings, but definitely fall short a lot of the time! It's not a book about horsemanship as much as it is about how to calm down, enjoy life, and be a better person. Mark was so lucky to have had Buck and the Old Man for teachers.

One of my favorite Mark Rashid books. It drives home true communication with your horse, thinking like a horse, and the need to keep our egos out of the equation. If you own and/or ride a horse, this one is a must !

I have read most of Mark Rashids books on dealing with horses. All of them have good life lessons included. The life lessons are applicable to ones relationships with horses, and as a bonus they often apply to ones relationships with their fellow humans. The issues that I have is with the style that Mark employs with his books. The lessons are wrapped in anecdotal recollections, and often leave the reader to decern the lessons, or to interprete them if they are so inclined. I am not saying that his style is bad, it is just very different from most others the are writing these types of horse training books (a fact he admits to). Now to this book, I found myself being annoyed with Mark as he lavished anthropomorphic, almost super powers to Buck, the Ranch Horse from which the Life Lessons derived. I tried to look past this issue because many (most ) of the life lessons enumerated in the book are worthwhile to embrace. Mark mentioned several times in the book that he "knew that the reader was probably skeptical of his accounts of Buck" unfortunately he was right. It just kept bugging me al the way through the book. Also, I was put off by his negative portrayal of a few individuals that espoused a different philosophy on such things as barefoot horses, and bitless riding. I am not saying that he has to agree with these different opinions on how to manage horses, its just that he seemed to make the point that these different philosophies usually came from flakes, and annoying wackos. Sorry, that just really gave me a lower opinion of him. As for this book, I would say it is one of the weaker of Mark's books, but if you are a fan of Mark Rashid it is worth getting to add to your library. If you are not a fan of Mark Rashid, it is worth getting to glean out the life lessons, you will just have to get past all the saccharin-esque fluff.

Author talks about the special relationship he had with his nothing-special-to-look-at horse, who taught him how to approach the important things in life. Some of the stories he tells would be hard to swallow if I hadn't had a horse very much like his, and it all rings very true. Horses like this come along once in a lifetime. Nice read.

Animals are so much wiser than we give them credit for. This is a beautiful book.

I loved the premis, but it was very repetative. Needs editing. It's like a series of articles written on the same topic with a lot of the same points made. So, can't recommend it. I think Joe Camp's books have a more narrative time line and are more useful for it.

Mark Rashid books have changed my life in amazing, completely unexpected ways. The wisdom he shares, in a natural, humble, yet inspiring way, applies to every part of life, not just horses. READ THIS BOOK, and all his others. There is nothing else like them.

I loved this book, mostly because I have read everything Mark writes and it's just a continuation of his story and how Buck, his horse played a major role in his life. Thank you Mark, for sharing all the lessons you've learned. I hope I can apply those lessons to my life as well.

I really enjoyed reading about the connection of horse and man. We can learn so much from our horses and the relationship they allow us to have with them. The story ending was good but the information that followed seemed rushed and difficult to connect. Overall it is a great book and I have recommended it to my friends who have horses.

I really enjoyed this book! I love the outlook of learning from the horse and being partners in training instead of engaging in a battle of wills. We have so much to learn from and share with animals and this book is a great example of what can be done.

Have as a gift

I have read and enjoyed several of marks books in the past, especially liking the stories of his early childhood learning the proper way to be with horses. This book is different, and in many ways very powerful. Anybody who has ever loved a horse owes it to themselves to read this book and especially the afterword.

Love the way this author tells his story. Helpful and makes me wish I could go to his clinics.

No matter where you are in your journey with horses this book offers wonderful insight. New ways to look at your relationship with your horses.

LOVE MARK RASHID'S WAY OF WRITING AND HIS BOOKS, ANOTHER TRIUMPH OF HOW TO PUT THE HORSES NEEDS FIRST! He is like the James Herriott of the horse world... such a lovely way to write books as stories but you learn so much.

An enjoyable read. I had to laugh, as I am also blessed with a brilliant horse who struggles to communicate with me. Last week we took a trail ride by ourselves, and he repeatedly informed me of the location of the barn.

I enjoyed reading this book. Again, there were places where it would drag a bit but, I really like the way it ended and I so enjoyed the real connection with horses.

I am a person who is new to horsemanship and the more I learn the more facinated I am with horses. Mark Rashid does a good job of teaching about horse temperments and training but the book is also pertinent to anyone still open to self reflection and how we can learn valuable life lessons not only from humans but also from horses. Easy read with sensitivity and wisdom and wit.

A terrific, honest and thoughtful read. A horseman with clear and compassionate nderstanding.

Love this book. It's written in an easy to read perspective. More like a story than instructions which I really love. An easy and great read.

If you are stressed and love horses, this book is for you! Love the way they are able to bring it all together and help us to understand that life is short, Don't waste it being upset!

Anyone wanting to know how to treat an animal should read this book. Loved the book. Loved the book. Loved it.

There are a lot of good stories in this book. It's more of an introspective on the author and a favorite horse helping him get through his life. Entertaining and thoughtful.

I love horses, and enjoy reading anything about them. This horse has a lot of personality. I have read Mark Rashid's books before and he does a great job of writing.

This book is wonderful. I loved the honesty and the lessons. It certainly confirmed my own experiences with horses and added to them! Highly recommended reading!

I've read quite a few of Mr. Rashid's books and I've enjoyed all of them. This one touched my heart the most. I've written down his "lessons" and carry them with me as reminders. They are truly helpful in all aspects of life:)

Mark Rashid's books never disappoint my high expectations and this book is no exception. His stories about his experiences with his horse, Buck, gives you so much to think about when it comes to your own relationship with your own horse. It will help you understand horses better and hopefully help you to become a better partner with your horse.

Excellent book. I am learning more from his books than any I have ever purchased. I ended up ordering every book Mark has written. Making a significant difference in my relationship with my three horses. I preordered his new book coming out in January.

I have read several books from Mr. Rashid and I never get tired of reading them. I have a lot of respect for the man horsemanship's ~ his unique way of describing his views on equine behaviors, his approach to problems solving and the candor with which he openly shares his own personal life experiences, challenges and feelings makes him one of a kind. Mr. Rashid brings you along for the ride, he says things as he sees them, no fluff yet to the point and you really feel as if you were there with him, living the experiences. It's the kind of book / books that you don't want them to end. If you are reading this Mr. Rashid , please don't stop riding, don't stop writing.!.

Having read some other books by Mark Rashid that I enjoyed thoroughly I was expecting more of the same with this one which wasn't the case. Okay, let's ignore the MANY typos for a minute and review the content which reads like a sermon most of the time. Interestingly enough Mr. Rashid thinks that he's at his most humble in this book and I couldn't disagree more. His past book were written in a humble, careful way whereas this one is plain annoying. The only good parts are when he refers to his horse Buck about which this book is supposedly based. This review sums up the rest of my thoughts; "Also, I was put off by his negative portrayal of a few individuals that espoused a different philosophy on such things as barefoot horses, and bitless riding. I am not saying that he has to agree with these different opinions on how to manage horses, its just that he seemed to make the point that these different philosophies usually came from flakes, and annoying wackos. Sorry, that just really gave me a lower opinion of him. As for this book, I would say it is one of the weaker of Mark's books, but if you are a fan of Mark Rashid it is worth getting to add to your library. If you are not a fan of Mark Rashid, it is worth getting to glean out the life lessons, you will just have to get past all the saccharin-esque fluff. "

Great writing skill and thoughtfully done! I will read this book again. A very talented horseman devoted to his horses.

A thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating look into the mind of a wise man and an even wiser horse. A really great read and I hope to see more from this Author.

A multi pleasure read, mind and heart ticklers for those who enjoy thinking and the connection between humans and their animals.

As always, Mark grabs your attention from page 1. All his work is a must read for serious horse lovers.

This book has great practical wisdom presented in a very different and readable way. Rashid is an excellent writer who draws from the real experiences of his life.

Wow, Mark has eloquently wrapped spiritualism , communication, and horsemanship into one beautiful package. I too have a horse like Buck , and after reading this book I'm going to listen to him a lot more, and let go of expectations and ego.

This is a GREAT book, beneficial for everyone, horse owner or not. It should be a requirement for everyone holding a public office not only to read this book but to follow the example and high standards that Buck has set for us all.

I loved this book...they are life lessons indeed. Having grown up around horses, I can identify with what Mark is saying. Some of the best teachers and friends have been my horses. Mark is amazingly insightful and inspiring....

Great book!

Mark Rashid's insight and warmth towards these wonderful creatures helps the horse owner gain a new and compassionate approach to horse care and riding.

This was a very good story about one horsemans mental evolution.

Absolutely LOVED this book. Great training insights. Well written, easy to read, and lots of "ah ha" moments. Can't wait to get other books written by this author.

Changed my way of looking at life in general.

I've never read a book, that opened my eyes and changed my life, like this one. It really made me rethink the way I interackt with people. Thank you, Mark, for taking the time to write!

A GREAT BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS BEEN AROUND HORSES, SPENDING TIME AND UNDERSTANDING THEIR WAYS.🐎🐎 MARK RASHID'S BOOKS ARE GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR APPROACH AT YOUR HORSE A BETTER ONE.

I enjoyed reading and learning what Mark Rashid learned from his horse in "Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse". I need to start listening to my horse more!

this is a great book for better understanding what our horses are trying to tell us and how to get past our own egos so we can benefit from the relationship between horse and person.

I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about horses. This book goes beyond just horses, in that it shows the reader a new way of seeing, feeling and understanding life. This is a great book. Not to be missed.

Mark is a good storyteller and the stories in this book have a very important message for horse training, but also for life.

Very easy to read, yet deep & heartfelt. Truly learned some new ways to think about human & animal relationships. Would highly recommend whether you love horses or not!

Your horses, friends and family will thank you for taking the concepts and principles presented in this book and working on them. So simple, yet such a magnitude of difference can be made.

Excellent book and has lessons for riders and non riders

Nice easy read with so many good things to think on! Would love to go see Mark in person for a clinic sometime!

Excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mark is a gifted writer and teacher. I can't wait to read more of his books.

Mark is such a natural and wonderful writer. I simply love this book. There are so many messages on different levels

I loved this book & it makes you think more about the perspective of a horse. It made me consider the balance I not only have with my horse, but in my life in general.

Love this mans philosphies on training and life.

I love his books!

Wonderful book. I would recommend the book to friends and family. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a lot of helpful paragraphs. Easy reading, I really enjoyed the book. Good Book.

There is always a message in a story as every Shrink will say. Rashid has a great story telling ability. For the story I give ++ but If Rashid picks up his lessons from practice, and life , and observation. Then maybe we all should reap the lesson from that and put the book down and follow in his footsteps. Rashid I have nothing against what you have shared and for those who are living a dream through your life then fine.

I've just begun this book. What I have seen so far, I really like. It's very interesting, and I like his concepts.

My Grand Daughter is interested in training horses. I am trying to keep up with new methods now in use. Interesting observations.

I am a horse owner and lover of horses and am always looking for some insight in to the horses mind and behavior.I found it helpful as well as a human interest story.

Another winner from Mark Rashid. His books always teach me to learn from my horse.

Extremely insightful. Not just another story about a horse!! It is a book about life and the challenges it poses.

This book warmed my heart and the relationship between Mark and Buck was truly a thing of beauty. I loved this book.

Interesting!

Have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am always looking for ways to connect with my horse, I want a partnership, not a dictatorship and have found Mark's book both enthralling and educational without the usual 'you must do it this way' attitude. Not only does he describe how he has helped horses with different issues, he tells it by way of a story which captivates the imagination.

Good read gave some good insights into marks relationship with his horse . Made mr think and question my On my way! horses behaviours more.

Once again, Mark Rashid has produced a book that I will read again and again. His style of writing is so easy to read that I get drawn in and can't put it down. The points he makes may seem simple yet the lessons learned are profound. A really lovely book.

One of the best reads, you don't have to be horsey to enjoy this book! It's well written, captivating, exciting, interesting and very educational. One if those books that you can really relate to and it helps to open your eyes and your mind.

Yes it did , excellent

Once again I read this book cover to cover and just love how Mark tells a story and writes. Thank you again Mark... You better be writing another book!!! Sorry that was selfish!!!

All of Mark Rashid books are awesome! If you are looking for a deeper understanding of horses, his books are for you. Always entertaining as well as informative. Mark is a great storyteller!